In realms divine, a tale unfolds,

Of gods entwined in fate's firm holds.

Antioch, once a brother fair,

Transforms to Adversary, shadows in his lair.

With celestial might and power untamed,

He seeks to challenge, his glory proclaimed.

Soter, the Guardian, noble and pure,

Faces the storm that fate did assure.

The Adversary strikes, a conflict divine,

In the cosmic dance, a deadly design.

Soter falls, his radiance dimmed,

But death's cold grasp, within him, skimmed.

From shadows of demise, Soter emerged,

Defying destiny, his essence surged.

The Adversary, vanquished and undone,

In the cosmic tapestry, a new thread spun.

Soter, reborn, with celestial grace,

Anew he rises, the eternal embrace.

The Adversary's defeat, a triumphant hymn,

In the symphony of gods, a rebirth begins.

A paradise anew, Soter declares,

His reign supreme, banishing despair.

One true God, in radiant light,

Guiding the cosmos, dispelling the night.

So, the celestial saga unfolds,

In the cosmic tapestry, destinies told.

From Adversary's dark descent,

To Soter's rise, a godhood's ascent.

As the prayers to Soter echoed within Hera's consciousness, Melpomene felt an unfamiliar tremor. The celestial energy and divine light summoned by the devoted voices reverberated through Hera's being, challenging the evil presence within. The once unassailable hold of Melpomene over Hera's consciousness began to waver.

Within Hera's mind, a radiant light manifested, its brilliance gradually overpowering the shadows that Melpomene had woven.  As the light expanded, Melpomene retreated deeper into the recesses of Hera's soul, desperately attempting to shield herself from the brilliance of the light.

Melpomene's haunting laughter, once resonating with confidence, now carried an undertone of uncertainty. The shadows, her domain, clung desperately to the remnants of Hera's thoughts, memories, and emotions. But the divine light, fueled by the prayers of Harahel and Gadriel, proved unyielding, unraveling the threads of Melpomene's influence.

Igor's strained muscles reflected his ongoing struggle against the ethereal chains. He shot a determined glance at Antioch, beads of sweat on his forehead, and grunted, "Did things just get better or worse?"

Antioch, his gaze fixed on the divinely transformed Hera, retorted with a smirk, "Despite what his scriptures say, when has our brother's intervention ever been a good thing?"

Antioch surveyed the room, taking in the surreal tableau before him. Harahel and Gadriel stood like statues, their eyes glowing, and hands lifted in the air as if conducting unseen forces. Artur remained chained to the wall, a silent witness to the unfolding cosmic drama. The Hermit's gaze was fixated on the Anti-Magic, his eyes locked onto it with an intensity that spoke of a history filled with intricate layers, reminiscent of someone observing an old flame. Taliesin, still entranced, looked expressionless, caught in the web of Hera's manipulation.

Igor, between strained attempts to break free from the chains, turned to Antioch with a furrowed brow and asked, "So, if Hera is under Soter's control. Why is Taliesin still entranced, and we're still bound by these cursed chains?"

Soter's voice resonated in the chamber, responding to Igor's concerns, "Indeed, Hera's transformation is a testament to the power of divine influence. However, the grip of Melpomene, though weakened, still lingers in the depths of her soul. Breaking the enchantments that bind you will require more faith and devotion.

Harahel, Gadriel, and Hera, knelt in unison. In a harmonious blend of voices, they spoke words of devotion:

"Oh, Soter, Guardian of purity and virtue,

In your radiant light, our spirits find refuge.

Dispeller of shadows, sovereign might,

We kneel before you in devotion, bright."

Soter acknowledged their devotion with a benevolent gaze. The divine aura surrounding him intensified, creating a sacred atmosphere.

“Dispeller of shadows!” scoffed Antioch, his skepticism unyielding, "The only reason you can control Hera is because your nuns put some enchantment on her amulet. Quite the trick you've played, my brother."

Soter, maintaining his serene composure, responded with a gentle smile, "Ah, the perspective of a trickster god. To see divine intervention as a mere trick is a unique interpretation, dear Antioch. Nevertheless, the means matter not; it is the end that aims for the salvation of all."

Antioch's smirk remained; his gaze unwavering. "Salvation or manipulation, the lines blur when gods play their games. But I suppose every deity needs a good trick or two up their celestial sleeves."

The Hermit, observing the exchange between Soter and Antioch, couldn't contain his frustration. "Bickering like children in the face of impending doom! Have you forgotten the gravity of our situation, my little brothers?"

Antioch and Soter turned their attention to the Hermit, his gaze piercing through the air with stern authority. "This enchantment on Hera's amulet is a temporary solution. You, Soter, must release me so that I can unbind Taliesin and dismantle the very source of this chaos—the Anti-Magic."

Bound and gagged, Artur's eyes widened in response to the Hermit's urgent plea, a muffled gasp escaping from behind the tightly secured gag.

"Binding or no binding," declared Igor with a fierce determination, "I will not let you near that Anti-Magic, Hermit!"

With a serene smile, Soter addressed the Hermit, "I appreciate your offer, dear Hermit, but I have an alternative solution for the Anti-Magic."

As if on a silent cue, the trio of Harahel, Gadriel, and Hera initiated another round of their sacred chant.

"Oh, Soter, Guardian of purity and virtue,

In your radiant light, our spirits find refuge.

Dispeller of shadows, sovereign might,

We kneel before you in devotion, bright."

The resonating words filled the celestial chamber. Soter, responding to their devotion, gracefully moved his hand, shattering the ethereal chains that had bound Antioch.

"That's a fancy trick.” Igor remarked, “Now, have them say that pretty thing again and set me free."

Soter maintained his calm demeanor, reflecting the serenity of his divine nature. "I cannot grant you that, my brother," he declared with unwavering resolve.

Igor, his frustration bubbling to the surface, bellowed, "Why?!"

Antioch interjected with a sly smile, "Because it would get in the way of Soter's real purpose for being here."

The Hermit, his gaze stern and unwavering, demanded, "And what, precisely, is that purpose?"

Soter, with a calm and measured tone, revealed, "My purpose here is for Antioch to take the Anti-Magic once again, as foretold by the prophecy of the Adversary."

"You and that damn prophecy!" Igor screamed at Soter, frustration etched across his face.

Maintaining his composure, Soter acknowledged Igor's outburst. "It is the only way," he explained, "Now that the Anti-Magic is here, it cannot simply be cast away."

 "How unfortunate that you were unable to arrive until after the Anti-Magic was summoned." Antioch, with a raised eyebrow, remarked sarcastically.

The Hermit glared at Soter with intensity. "This is madness, Soter!"

"Madness would be returning the Anti-Magic to Valka's," Soter continued, "or Hera. Antioch, as the past has shown, is the most suitable vessel."

With a sly grin, Antioch quipped to Soter, "I must say, dear brother, I've never seen a god work so hard to arrange his own demise."

Soter responded serenely, "It is all to build a better world."

“A world where you are the only God!” Igor shouted.

“That is my burden to bear,” Soter said humbly.

“Allow me to weep for you,” Antioch replied with a lace of sarcasm.

Soter gestured towards the Anti-Magic and uttered, "Save your tears, brother, and answer your calling."

Antioch's gaze lingered on the Anti-Magic. A shadow of unease crept into his eyes; not rooted solely in the imminent danger it posed. But in the realization that Soter might have backed him into a corner he cannot get out of.

Melpomene, cornered and unable to escape the relentless pursuit of the radiant light, felt the celestial brilliance closing in on her. The once confident mistress of shadows now found herself in the grip of desperation, her domain slipping away like shadows dissipating under the noonday sun.

The intricate threads of memories, emotions, and consciousness that she had entwined within Hera's soul began to unravel as the divine light penetrated deeper. Each attempt to retreat was met with an unyielding force, and the once formidable mistress of shadows felt the walls of Hera's mind closing in on her.

Fragments of forgotten memories, obscured by the shadows of time, stirred within Melpomene. A haunting deja vu whispered through the recesses of her own consciousness, hinting at a distant past where she had faced a similar celestial force. Yet, the memory remained elusive, dancing just beyond her reach like a phantom in the cosmic dance.

As the celestial brilliance narrowed the space in which Melpomene could maneuver, a sinister thought crept into her calculating mind. With a sly smile playing on her lips, she whispered, "Let me in."

The chamber was fraught with palpable tension, the Anti-Magic suspended in animation, pulsating with ominous dark energy.

Antioch's gaze remained fixed on the Anti-Magic, its dark energy beckoning him closer. A palpable curiosity pulled at him, drawing him step by step toward the suspended force.

"Antioch, what are you doing!" shouted Igor, his voice echoing through the chamber.

Antioch, seemingly unperturbed, turned towards Igor with a nonchalant expression. "Relax, Igor," he responded casually. "I just want a closer look."

The Hermit's eyes narrowed as he issued a stern warning, "Not too close, Antioch."

A smirk played on Antioch's lips as he addressed the Hermit, "Unlike you, brother, this magic has never beckoned me like a siren call. I can withstand its temptation."

The Hermit, his gaze filled with concern and a hint of frustration, retorted, "Need I remind you that this magic nearly killed you?"

Before Antioch could say anything, Soter responded with unwavering faith, "That was a unique situation, one that will not be repeated."

Emanating a divine aura, Soter walked purposefully toward the Anti-Magic, his steps deliberate and filled with celestial intent. The ominous energy surrounding the suspended force seemed to dance in response to his presence, momentarily subdued by the guardian's radiant light.

Antioch, observing Soter's approach with a raised eyebrow, remained cautious. As Soter neared the suspended force, he extended his hand, and a gentle, radiant glow enveloped him. With a commanding yet reassuring tone, Soter spoke, "Brother, let us not waste any more time. It is time to fulfill your destiny."

Ignoring Soter's plea, Antioch circled the Anti-Magic with a perplexed look. His eyes darted up and down at it, searching for a solution that didn't align with Soter's ominous prophecy. Suddenly, a sanctified look crossed his face, accompanied by a gleeful smile. "So that is what it is for." Antioch declared,

He reached into his pocket, but before he could pull out whatever revelation he had found, a surge of dark energy struck Antioch. The force knocked him across the room, sending him sprawling on the floor.

Soter's eyes widened as he looked over and saw Taliesin, no longer bound, standing with an eerie smile. The air in the chamber seemed to thicken with an ominous energy. However, when Taliesin spoke, it wasn't his voice that echoed through the space; instead, it was Melpomene's voice, “Did you truly believe I'd be so easily cast aside, dear Soter?"